Life’s a game, but are you following the script or rewriting it? Embrace the glitch mindset and forge your own unique path.

In a world that often feels like a scripted simulation, it’s easy to fall into patterns and routines, to follow paths that have been laid out by society, culture, or even by our own expectations. But what if there’s another way to navigate this life? What if we could break free from the constraints, the norms, and the preordained routes? What if we could become a ‘glitch’?

The Game We’re Playing

Life, in many ways, resembles the structure of a Role-Playing Game (RPG). In RPGs, players step into the shoes of a character, navigating a fictional world filled with challenges, quests, and opportunities for growth. The choices you make determine the trajectory of your character’s journey. You gather experience points, level up, and unlock new abilities—much like how in life, we learn, grow, and develop new skills.

In massively multiplayer online games (MMOs), this analogy expands further. Here, thousands, sometimes millions, of players coexist in a shared online world. Each player is on their own journey, yet they interact, form alliances, trade, and sometimes compete. The MMO is a persistent world; it continues to exist and evolve whether you’re logged in or not—just like the world we inhabit.

Are You an NPC or a Glitch?

In both RPGs and MMOs, there are characters controlled by the game itself—Non-Player Characters (NPCs). These NPCs follow a pre-programmed script, delivering the same lines, performing the same actions, and existing solely to serve the player’s experience. They don’t question their reality; they simply do what they were coded to do.

It’s easy to see parallels in the real world. Many people live their lives as though they are NPCs, following the societal script without questioning it. They go through the motions, adhering to the expectations set by others, whether it’s in their career, relationships, or daily routines. They follow the rules, check the boxes, and live within the confines of what’s considered ‘normal’.

But what if you chose to be something different? What if you decided to be a ‘glitch’?

The Glitch: Breaking the Code

In the world of software and games, a glitch is an unexpected error—a break in the code that disrupts the normal flow of the system. Glitches are anomalies; they don’t fit the standard pattern, and that’s precisely what makes them fascinating. In the context of life, being a glitch means breaking away from the conventional paths, questioning the norms, and carving out a unique path.

To be a glitch is to refuse to be bound by the expectations of others. It’s about recognising the matrix—the societal structure—and deciding not to conform to it blindly. Instead, a glitch disrupts the status quo, forging a new script and exploring possibilities that others might not even consider. This isn’t about rebellion for rebellion’s sake; it’s about consciously choosing a path that aligns with your true self, even if it goes against the grain.

Embracing the Glitch Mindset

Choosing to be a glitch means embracing uncertainty. It’s about acknowledging that the pursuit of truth, personal growth, or even happiness may take you off the beaten path. Unlike the fleeting pursuit of happiness, which is often tied to chemical reactions and temporary states of mind, the glitch mindset is focused on deeper, more lasting fulfilment. It’s about experiencing life fully and authentically, rather than ticking off a checklist of societal milestones.

This mindset requires courage. It’s not easy to go against the tide, especially when the world around you seems so certain of its direction. But being a glitch isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about asking the right questions. It’s about being open to new ideas, challenging your own beliefs, and constantly evolving.

Glitches in the Real World

History is filled with individuals who were, in their own way, glitches. Think of innovators, artists, philosophers, and leaders who defied the norms of their time. They didn’t follow the script; they rewrote it. They questioned what others accepted as given, and in doing so, they changed the world. From technological revolutions to social movements, the impact of these glitches is profound and far-reaching.

Today, in a world that’s more connected and yet more fragmented than ever, the need for glitches is greater than ever. The rapid pace of technological advancement, coupled with the complexities of globalisation, means that the scripts we’ve been following may no longer serve us. It’s time to question, challenge, and disrupt—both in our personal lives and as a society.

Conclusion: Writing Your Own Script

Being a glitch is not about rejecting everything outright; it’s about making conscious choices. It’s about recognising when the script doesn’t serve you and having the courage to rewrite it. It’s about being an active participant in your own life, rather than a passive observer.

In the end, life is the ultimate RPG—an open-world game where the possibilities are limitless, but only if you’re willing to step outside the lines. So, ask yourself: are you content being an NPC, or are you ready to become a glitch? The choice, as always, is yours.

This piece was originally published on the 27th of August 2024, on MyGeekSpace's Substack.